Anton Szandor LaVey was a controversial and colorful character. For several decades, his Church of Satan was one of the most visible occult-themed organizations in existence from its inception Walpurgisnacht 1966 and gave birth to several organizations including the Temple of Set that sought to build upon its foundation. It acted as a gateway drug for many seeking alternatives to the Judeo-Christian sects they were raised in and its conceptual debts to Thelema, Wicca etc. would provide signposts towards them for many. Many could see his very public lifestyle as promulgating Rabelaisian Thelema with his determined “Do what you like” stance.
Today the Church of Satan celebrates his birthdate.
Check out their posting here:
http://news.churchofsatan.com/post/116119241112/happy-birthday-anton-szandor-lavey-on-this
And let’s all join them in raising a glass of single malt Scotch and maybe tearing into a rare steak and a nice iceberg wedge salad (if you’re a guy, make sure to top it with a sweet French dressing though and not Bleu Cheese as Anton felt that the latter was indicative of unmanly tendencies – Satan forbid!)
